Flexural torque limiter

Abstract

In example embodiments, a discrete torque limiter is described that includes a first cylindrical member including grooves along a longitudinal surface of the first cylindrical member. The discrete torque limiter includes a second cylindrical member arranged concentrically with the first cylindrical member. The second cylindrical member can be adapted to move independently around the first cylindrical member. The second cylindrical member can include flexural spokes with teeth that engage the grooves along the first cylindrical member when no torque is applied and that disengage from the grooves when a torque that exceeds a threshold torque is applied to the first cylindrical member or second cylindrical member.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A discrete torque limiter comprising:
 a first cylindrical member including an inner surface, an outer surface, and grooves along the first cylindrical member, wherein the grooves comprise slots that extend through the first cylindrical member creating openings on the inner surface and the outer surface of the first cylindrical member; and 
 a second cylindrical member arranged concentrically with the first cylindrical member, the second cylindrical member being adapted to move independently of the first cylindrical member and including flexural spokes  120  with teeth that engage the grooves along the first cylindrical member when no torque is applied and that disengage from the grooves when a torque that exceeds a threshold torque is applied to the first cylindrical member or second cylindrical member. 
 
     
     
       2. The discrete torque limiter of  claim 1 , wherein, when the threshold torque is applied, flexion in the spokes cause the teeth to disengage. 
     
     
       3. The discrete torque limiter of  claim 1 , wherein the second cylindrical member comprises a comb ring, wherein the flexural spokes comprise flexible beams anchored that are connected to the comb ring at one end of the the flexible beams, and wherein the teeth are disposed on an other end of the flexible beams. 
     
     
       4. The discrete torque limiter of  claim 1 , wherein the second cylindrical member comprises two comb rings, and wherein the flexural spokes are connected to the two comb rings at both ends of the spokes. 
     
     
       5. The discrete torque limiter of  claim 1 , wherein the flexural spokes are made with an engineering plastic. 
     
     
       6. The discrete torque limiter of  claim 1 , wherein the teeth contact the grooves at a constant angle throughout engagement. 
     
     
       7. The discrete torque limiter of  claim 1 , wherein the second cylindrical member surrounds the first cylindrical member. 
     
     
       8. A system for limiting torque comprising:
 first and second cylindrical members arranged concentrically wherein: 
 the first cylindrical member includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and grooves, wherein the grooves comprise slots that extend through the first cylindrical member creating openings on the inner surface and the outer surface of the first cylindrical member;
 the second cylindrical member is adapted to rotate independently from the first cylindrical member; and 
 the second cylindrical member includes flexural spokes with teeth that engage the grooves along the first cylindrical member when no torque is applied and that disengage from the grooves when a torque that exceeds a threshold torque is applied to the first cylindrical member or second cylindrical member. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 8 , wherein, when the threshold torque is applied, flexion in the spokes cause the teeth to disengage. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 8 , wherein the flexural spokes are made with an engineering plastic. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 8 , wherein the first cylindrical member and second cylindrical member are made of different materials. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 8 , wherein the first cylindrical member and second cylindrical member are made of the same materials.